Rathmore Grammar School

Rathmore On The Slopes

Sixty-three pupils and teachers have just returned from a week-long ski trip to Oberstdorf in Germany. There were many challenges throughout the week for both beginners and experienced skiers alike. Some found it a challenge staying on their skis and mastering the lifts, while others relished the challenges of hitting jumps and practising carving turns on the black slopes. Even the staff found it a great challenge to keep all bones intact! The various groups were guided by experienced instructors, with whom they developed a close bond by the end of the week. Conditions varied from blizzards and ice to intense sunshine and thick powder snow, perfect for snowballs!! We even had a timed slalom race on the last day which was taken extremely seriously, as prizes and positions were awarded.

There were plenty of Après Ski activities, including a swimming pool, table tennis competition, quiz, movie and poster nights and ice skating. We saw in the New Year with a bang, literally, as we watched a German firework display after the traditional New Year’s Eve fancy dress, featuring Ninja Turtles to Amy Winehouse. On the final night there was an awards ceremony with prizes for the Romeo and Juliet of the Trip, Gourmet of the Week, Best Skier of the Week and Livewire of the Week. The instructors attended and emotions were running high.
We all returned to Rathmore the next day bruised, battered and bawling our eyes out, but nevertheless filled with great memories from the trip of a lifetime!!

Patrick McDonald & Matthew Dawson